Obituaries Archive

Kathryn E. Tigges

Kathryn E. Tigges, 84, of Dubuque passed away Friday, July 5, 2019 at home surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Monday July 8, 2019, at Church of the Nativity with Msgr. Jim Miller as Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 5 PM Sunday July 7, at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road followed by a Wake Service at 5:00 PM.

Kathryn was born December 2, 1934, in Bernard, IA, the daughter of Henry J. and Margaret B. (Decker) Johnson. She married the love of her life, John T. Tigges, April 22, 1954 at New Melleray Abbey, Dubuque. He preceded her in death on October 29, 2008.

She was employed at John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works, retiring in 1992, after which she and John traveled extensively. Kathy enjoyed reading, gardening, watching movies, walking, golf, and spending time with her family and friends.

She was an active member of Nativity parish and their Rosary Society and Guild, where she had volunteered in several positions.

She was a loving mother and grandmother who could never say “no”. She will be sadly missed by her two daughters, Juliana (Carey) Lewis and Tracey (Mark) Ring, both of Dubuque; two sons, John T. (Marion) Tigges of Albuquerque, NM and Jay (Brigette) Tigges of Dubuque; nine grandchildren, Andi Lewis, Tony, Koji, Kyle, Michael and Tyler Tigges, Jason Ring, Melissa (Greg) Stokes and Morgan (Chad) Burke; great grandchildren, Makaila and Adriana Tigges, Alex and James Burke, Jacob, Owen, and Kayla Stokes; sisters, Rita Kremer, Eleanor Schueller, Lucy Schmitt, and Geraldine Anthony; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Timothy; a sister, Loretta Ronek; brothers, Raymond, Francis, Ralph, and Henry Johnson; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.

Kathryn’s family would like to express a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and the doctors and nurses at Finley Hospital for their wonderful care.

A memorial has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hskfh.com.

Mercedes G. Lynch

Mercedes G. Lynch, 96, of Dubuque passed away at 11:30 PM Friday, July 5, 2019, surrounded by family at her home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Thursday, July 11, 2019, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Rev. Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM Thursday, July 11, 2019, at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Arrangements are in the care of the Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Road, Dubuque.

Born April 3, 1923, in Galena, IL, she was the daughter of Clement E. and Anna Kieffer Bussan. On November 23, 1948, she married Garland Lynch in Galena, IL. He passed away May 6, 2001.

Mercedes was a registered nurse. She had earned her nursing degree from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Chicago.

She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, enjoyed playing euchre, was a great baker, especially of pies, and cherished time with her family.

Survivors include three daughters, Patricia Hendricks, Andrea Ryan, and Nicolette McDermott, all of Dubuque; eight grandchildren, Alexandria McDermott, Christopher Hendricks, Rachael Hillebrand, and Luke Hendricks, Toby Ryan, Erica Borgerding, Benjamin Ryan, and Gordon Ryan; 18 great-grandchildren; two sisters , Ruth Brashaw of Stockton, IL, and Ann Schreck of Platteville, WI; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Gordon, two son-in laws, Ronald Hendricks and William Ryan, three sisters, Pauline, Eleanor, and Marian, and seven brothers, Cyril, Nicholas, Clement, Joseph, Louis, Gregory, and Phillip.

A special thank you from Mercedes’s family to Hospice of Dubuque, Fr. Rosonke, and Sr. Margaret Ann for all of their compassion, care and concern.

Condolences can be made at www.hskfh.com.

Arthur F. L. Searles

Arthur Frank Leslie Searles, II, 92, of Dubuque, passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2019, at Mercy One Hospital.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM Monday, July 8, 2019, at Hoffmann-Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road. A funeral service will be 1:00 PM Monday, July 8, 2019, at Hoffmann-Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service with Deacon Jim Schmidt officiating. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery.

Born November 12, 1926 in Janesville, WI, he was the son of Arthur Frank Leslie and Merle Elva Wheeler Searles. On July 18, 1959, he married Jean Ann Wing at St. Raphael’s Cathedral in Dubuque. She died August 2, 2007.

Art was a 1944 graduate of Brodhead High School and a graduate of University of Wisconsin in Madison. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving in WWII from 1944-1947 and the Korean War from 1950-1952, spending 3 ½ years in Japan, and some time in Washington, DC and Panama. In 1953, Art moved to Dubuque to work at Sherwin Williams Paint. He retired from A.Y. McDonald after 44 years.

He was of the Protestant faith. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and the University of Wisconsin Alumni. He was a lifelong Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers fan and had enjoyed golfing in his younger years.

Survivors include two daughters, Leslie (John) Sweeney and Lynn (Jim) Searles Gorman, both of Dubuque; two sons, Art “Dids” (Deb) Searles of Dubuque, and Charles (Kim Brown) Searles of Shullsburg, WI; eleven grandchildren, Andrew, Hillary, Ashlee, Jarred, Ian, Hope, Jonnathan, Annalynne, Natalie, Elliott, and Oliver; and ten great-grandchildren, Lexus, Preston, Parker, Liam, Violet, Ayanna, Shelley, Trace, Ethan and Logan; and one niece, Judy Searles Baldwin, of Brodhead, WI.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by one grandson, Matthew Xavier Searles, his parents, one brother, Wheeler, and one nephew, Arthur.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Tri State Dialysis, Dr. Ringold, Dr. Whalen, and staff.

A memorial has been established.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be made at www.hskfh.com.

Lenora L. (Ehlers) Krieg

Lenora L. “Blondie” (Ehlers) Krieg, age 83, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 9:47 p.m., on Saturday, July 6, 2019, at Stonehill Care Center. To honor Blondie’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, July 12, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, with Pastor Kristian Kincaid officiating. To celebrate Blondie’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 11, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Blondie was born on September 8, 1935, in Altenburg, Missouri, daughter of Arthur and Lily (Fritsche) Ehlers.

Blondie was united in marriage to the love of her life, Kenneth Krieg, on August 13, 1960, in Perryville, Missouri, and they were blessed with 4 children and 54 wonderful years together before Ken was called home ahead of her on May 26, 2015. Blondie was a hard worker who not only took meticulous care of her family and home, but put her attention to detail to good use as an inspector at the shoe factory in Perryville, Missouri. She loved caring for children and also did babysitting at home for several years. Blondie was a wiz in the kitchen, always busy, whether it was baking something delicious or canning some fresh produce. She was a talented woman who was well known for the beautiful Christmas ornaments she created and shared with family and friends. In her free time, she enjoyed traveling with Ken and the two took several bus trips throughout the years, as well as some grand adventures overseas. We are deeply saddened at losing our beautiful, wonderful, soft spoken mom, grandma and sister, but take some comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her beloved husband in Heaven for all Eternity.

Those left to cherish Blondie’s memory include

her 4 children,
Mark (Lisa) Krieg,
Donald (Barb) Krieg,
Sharon Krieg, all of Dubuque, IA
and Gary (Jennifer) Krieg, St. Catherine, IA;

her 7 grandchildren,
Benjamin, Heidi, Courtney, Kyle, Allison, Amber and Garret Krieg;

her siblings,
Ruth (Royal) Petzoldt, Perryville, MO,
Arlene Pfeiffer, Perryville, MO,
Lily “Cookie” (Dan) Gholston, Denton, TX,
Johnny (Bonnie) Ehlers, Perryville, MO
and Orville (Linda) Ehlers, Fruitland, MO;

and a sister-in-law,
Mary Jane Ehlers, Perryville, MO.

Blondie was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Kenneth Krieg; a sister, Margaret Ehlers in infancy; a brother, Leonard Ehlers; a sister-in-law, Sandy Ehlers; and 3 brothers-in-law, Milton Pohlman, “Sonny” Neager and Russell Pfeiffer.

Blondie’s family would like to thank Pastor Kincaid for his care and support throughout the years, as well as the nurses and staff of Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque, we truly appreciate all that you have done for us.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among her favorite charities.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com

Norman L. Breiner

Norman L. “Norm” Breiner, age 91 of Dubuque, Iowa completed his earthly journey on July 7, 2019, at home surrounded by his loving family.  To celebrate Norm’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at 4:00 p.m. at Steeple Square, 101 East 15th Street, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001 with Pastor Jack Redmond officiating.  Family and friends of Norm’s may gather to visit prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Steeple Square.  Burial will be in the Center Grove Cemetery in Dubuque. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Norm’s family.

Norm was born on January 18, 1928 in Dubuque, a son to Frank and Cleo (Topp) Breiner.  Norm was blessed to spend his entire earthly life on the family farm on Mud Lake Road.  He had purchased it from his father in his early years and was proud to witness it now continue on through the 4th generation of family with his grandson.  Norm has built the legacy which he leaves behind with his beautiful bride, Donna M. Kenniker, whom he had met on a blind date, faithfully by his side the entire time. The devoted (and sometimes intentionally agitating) couple were blessed with 4 wonderful children together, and 3 months ago celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary hand in hand. Norm had built the house he raised, nurtured and protected his family in for generations with his own hands. They humbly spend the first 12 years creating their lives together in the basement until they could afford to get the main floor built for the growing family.  Norm had earnestly worked the farm while also working full-time in factories over the years. He began at Farley and Loetcher and A.Y. McDonald’s before finally investing over 32 years of his working career at John Deere Dubuque Works. Norm eventually retired in 1985, and was honestly conflicted about releasing his final grip on the radial drill in W Building, but he also knew and appreciated that there was another young man out there who could raise his family right behind him and he would now have more time to enjoy his family and farm which were waiting for him at home

Now those who knew and loved Norm, also know that he was so much more than a loving family man and devoted employee. He gained such a wealth of wisdom throughout his life that anyone who was willing to listen could usually find a path to the right direction to head in any situation which arose in their own personal or professional lives. Cutting the grass at Melody Mill during the day was surely more rewarding in the end than the fun they’d regularly have there in the evening. Opening his home to 22 foster children over the years was a gift more precious to them than any pretty box with a bow could ever compare to. Spending time in an orphanage as a child developed an empathy for others which never faded. Almost losing the farm during some rough years early on would bring about a stronger than steel work ethic, an understanding that personal responsibility and honesty will always carry the day, paying your bills on time and avoiding credit will lead to real prosperity, everyone does not have to agree with you (although it’s a lot easier if they just would), and always make amends whenever possible (and yes, paying your union dues in pennies one time can be neatly tucked into a grey area on that one).

Norm was also a quiet man of faith, virtue and integrity throughout his life. He loved his Lord and Savior and had attended church at St. Matthew’s for many years. He eventually found himself feeling closer to God in his daily life and began to live his faith as an example through his words, thoughts and actions and attempted to knowingly share the love he knew with all those around him. Norm raised his family to believe in the Holy Trinity, follow the 10 commandments as a common rule and always follow the golden rule; for he understood that when you set your life upon these three basic foundational principles, the world outside simply cannot shake your house any more than you allow it to. He sadly had become quite discouraged (grumpy may actually be the correct word there) with some of the directions the world has been moving in, but he also understood that some things must necessarily take their course and that allowing the Lord to have control is quite often the hardest battles we’ll ever have to fight in this world. Norm was a simple man who gratefully lived his life with immense depth also. The sounds of the love and lessons his voice has carried tenderly, but authoritatively throughout his 91 years will continue to reign quietly in the minds of those he adored, respected and befriended. We will never be able to mend the tear in our hearts Norm has left behind today, but we also appreciate that our pain wouldn’t exist as it does if he had never been in our lives, so our tears now flow with thankful honor for the one who makes them so. Thank you, Norm for playing your role so perfectly among us and we pray that you are now enjoying the greatest family reunion you’ve ever experienced with not a single care in the world to cause you any pain!

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Norm include,

his loving wife of 70 years,
Donna Breiner, Dubuque, Iowa;

his 2 adored daughters,
Pamela “Pam” (Frank) Schumacher, Cape Coral, Florida,
and Candace “Candy” (Bill) Kelly, Dubuque, Iowa;

his 10 grandchildren,
Jason (Tricia) Schumacher, Dubuque, Iowa,
Eric (Polly) Schumacher, New Virginia, Iowa,
Brian Schumacher, Des Moines, Iowa,
Sarah Schumacher, Indianola, Iowa,
Wil (Ashley) Kelly, Dubuque, Iowa,
Tiffiny Kelly, Dubuque, Iowa,
Darcy Kelly, Dubuque, Iowa,
Matt (Mandy Wallace) Kelly, Cedar Falls, Iowa,
Melody (Bobby) Coyle, Epworth, Iowa,
and Travis (Nikki Maiers) Breiner, Guttenberg, Iowa;

his 17 great-grandchildren,
Dylan (Kelsey) Schumacher, Abigail Schumacher, Jacob Schumacher, Kyla Schumacher, Ian Schumacher, Skyelynn Schumacher, Addison Schumacher, Everly Schumacher, Parker Wallis, Vanessa Kelly, Shaylynn Kelly, Owen Kelly, Mallory Siegert, Jayden Siegert, Carson Siegert, Kennedy Coyle and Devin Coyle;

his 4 great-great grandchildren,
Lydia Kelly, Echo Bown, Ellie Bown and Enzo Schumacher;

his adopted sister,
Sherrie Snook, California;

along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Norm was preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Norm “Butch” Briener, Jr. and Gary Breiner; his brother, Gerald Breiner; and his sisters, Millie (Bruce) Randall and Eunice (Robert) Bauer.

Norman’s family would like to thank Dr. Cao, Dr. Whalen, and their nurses, along with the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of the wonderful care and support they have provided to Norm, and his family.

Online condolences may be shared with Norm’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Robert C. Fitzgerald

Robert (Bob) C. Fitzgerald, 87, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Thursday, July 4, 2019, at his home.

Visitation will be held 2-8 p.m. Monday, July 8, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where an American Legion service will be held at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Tuesday from 9-10 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday July 9, 2019, St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery where military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 137. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Bob was born September 6, 1931 in Dyersville, Iowa the son of Cleo and Lucille (Nebel) Fitzgerald. He married Sylvia Gassmann on May 18, 1957 in Worthington, Iowa.

He was an active member of Legion Post #137, lifetime member of the New Vienna VFW Post #1683, the Dyersville Fire Department, and AOH for many years. He was past president and Grand Marshal for the AOH.

Survivors include his children: Judy (David) Kirsch of Dyersville, Jayne Fitzgerald of Edgewood, Jill Schneck of Ackley, Brad (Brenda) Fitzgerald of Dallas, TX, and Barry (Gena) Fitzgerald of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren: Kerri (Mike) Kramer, Brian Kirsch, Krista (John) Dow, Travis (Melanie) Fitzgerald, Jordan (Chris) Ruiz, Katy Fitzgerald, Lisa (Lucas) LaVelle and Katelyn (Skyler) Clark, Mikayla and Madisyn Fitzgerald; great grandchildren: Julien, Jude, and Sylvia Kramer, Eliza Dow, Emma Clark, and Laikynn LaVelle, Jessica Sain; siblings: Jim Fitzgerald of Oelwein, Carol (Leo) Klostermann of Dyersville, Mary Jane Banning of Vancouver, WA, Bev Sampson of Edgewood; in-laws: Betty Gotto of Bankston, Gladys Knepper of Dyersville, Mary Agnes (Jim) Schnier of Bellevue, Lyle Gassmann of Dubuque, Marge Gassmann of Dubuque, Bev Gassmann of St. Landry, LA, Jerry Gassmann of Davenport.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Sylvia in 2000; siblings: Dale Fitzgerald, Lois Fitzgerald, Ed (Karen) Fitzgerald, John (Gene) Fitzgerald; in-laws: Paul Knepper, Marvin (Pat) Gassmann, Betty Gassmann, John Gassmann, Marion “Cookie” Fitzgerald, Keith Banning, Rollie Sampson, Eileen (William) Besler, Connie (Merle) Lueck, Leroy Gassmann, Bob Gassmann, Ken Gassmann, Grace Gassmann.

The family would like to thank hospice nurses Edna and Ryan, and Home Instead Caregiver Tina for their compassionate care.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Richard L. Griebel

Richard Lee “Dick” Griebel, 89, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on July 3, 2019 at Dubuque Specialty Care.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday July 8th, 2019 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Martyn officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery with full military honors by American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 7th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Family and friends may also gather after 9:00 a.m. Monday at the church until time of service.

Dick was born on July 11, 1929 in Bellevue, Iowa the son of Arthur and Cora (Hinke) Griebel. He served in the US Army from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War. He married Irene Oberfoell on November 13, 1954 at St. Peter and Paul Church in Sherrill.

He worked for Clinton Engines, Dubuque Packing Company, Carnations Artificial Breeding, and at the Ertl Company; lastly, he was a salesman for Moorman’s Feed.

Dick was a great outdoors man and enjoyed fishing and Bow Hunting; he was an avid reader throughout his life. Dick was a very humble and decent man who had a great sense of humor and was devoted to his family.

He is survived by his children, John Griebel, Pamela (John) Renfro, and Rebecca (Michael “Moe” Miller) Griebel, all of Dubuque. One grandchild Jennifer Renfro along with nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Irene, brothers Glenn, Earl, and a sister Ellen Reed.

In lieu of flowers a Richard L. Griebel memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Dubuque Specialty Care and Hospice of Dubuque for all their wonderful care and kindness they gave to Dick.

Mary M. Blatz

Mary Margaret “Susie” Blatz, 89, of St. Catherine Rd, Dubuque, passed away in her home on the evening of July 3rd, 2019 surrounded by family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2019, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. Lyle Wilgenbusch officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 8, 2019, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Susie was born September 23rd 1929, in Faribault, MN to Rosalie and Gentiel Vandendriessche. Her father Gentiel migrated from Belgium at the age of 27. In Faribault, she attended Kindergarten at Garfield School, 1st- 8th at Immaculate Conception and Graduated High School in 1947 from Bethlehem Academy where the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa Mound taught her.

She married Alcuin Blatz from New Trier, MN on April 6th 1948 at St. Raphael Cathedral in Dubuque. They were married 24 years when Al passed away of a heart attack on October 25, 1972. They were blessed with 10 kids. They lived in an apartment in Dubuque until 1952 when they moved to a basement home built by Al. Eventually Al built the home on top where Susie resided the remainder of her life.

Her first job was at Rice County Regent Clerk Office and Rice County Superintendent’s Office of schools both in Faribault, MN. Then she worked for Fischer Company in Dubuque until her and Al started their family. Susie returned to work after Al passed away retiring from Valet Food Service after 25 years at the age of 71.

Susie was a faithful member of St. Catherine’s Parish, St. Catherine’s Rosary Society, Catholic Order of Foresters and St. Catherine’s Renew and Prayer Group.

She made the best Pumpkin bread according to her grandchildren. She loved having her family around her especially when her grandchildren played 65 along with her friends Velma Hoppman and Evelyn Specht. She was always knitting pot-holders, gloves, socks and dishcloths.

She is survived by her children; Barb (Joe) Lyons, of Dubuque, Susan (Larry) Metcalf, of Dubuque, Joanne (Jim) Oberbroeckling, of Cascade, Larry (Sheila) Blatz, of Dubuque, Mike (Karen) Blatz, of Dubuque, Kathy (Tony) Reiss, of La Motte, Mark (Jean) Blatz of Dubuque, Tom (Sarah) Blatz, of Bellevue, and Mary (John) Giesemann, of La Motte; her daughter-in-law Angie Blatz-Malott, of Dubuque. Two sisters-in-law Maryann Blatz, of Sterling, IL, and Ferrell Blatz, of Stanchfield, MN. Her 34 surviving grandchildren: Paul, Molly, Chris, Michelle, Travis, Brenda, Nicole, Matt, Mike, Craig, Lindsay, Helen, Al, Ben, Tonya, Michael, Kimberly, Laura, Sara, Julie, Brian, Eric, Kelly, Brandi, Natalie, Jared, Madalyn, Anna, Amanda, Anthony, Adam, Andrew, Ryan, and Nicholas. Her 50 great grandchildren and one on the way, along with two great-great grandchildren.

Susie is preceded in death by her husband Alcuin; her parents Rosalie and Gentiel Vandendriessche; her son Joey; her grandchildren Tommy Lyons, Katie Lyons, Marty Lyons, and Rosalie Blatz. Her sister Helen Remold and brother Marcel Vandendriessche along with 13 brothers-in-law and 10 sisters-in-law.

A special Thank You to Mom’s “11th child” Steve and Liz Staner for being such a great neighbor to our Mom. Also, a thank you to two of the world’s greatest caregivers Phyllis Freiburger and Jeanette O’Brien. Finally thank you to the staff of Hospice of Dubuque especially Amy.

Donald P. Dupont

Donald P. Dupont, 89, of Dubuque, and formerly of Phoenix, Az. and Palatine, Ill., passed away in his home on Saturday, June 29 with family at his side.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 2001 St. Joseph Street, Dubuque. Fr. Paul Attah-Nsiah will officiate. A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 8, 2019 at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road, in Dubuque. Interment will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Dubuque, where there will be a flag presentation by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Don was a Dubuque boy who travelled the world during his 38 years with the international accounting firm of Arthur Andersen & Co., and he was one of nine Phoenix Civic Leaders who founded the Fiesta Bowl-now a host of the National College Football Championship Game-in 1971.

He began his four decades at Andersen as an auditor in the Small Business Division of the firm’s Home Office in Chicago from 1953 to 1969, where he made Manager in 1959 and became a Partner in 1966.

Don was then promoted to Managing Partner of the firm’s Phoenix office from 1969 to 1982, where he directed a massive business expansion that tripled the size of the office staff from 75 to 225 employees.

He finished his career at Andersen’s World Headquarters in Chicago, where from 1982 until his retirement in 1990, he oversaw 85,000 world-wide employees as Managing Director of Personnel.

In that role, he attended global planning meetings in Zurich, Switzerland, participated in Far East business expansions in places like Thailand and Indonesia, and fought for upgraded daycare and eldercare programs to improve the retention rates of Andersen’s female employees.

But it all began in Dubuque. Don was the eldest of four children (he had 3 sisters) born to Ralph and Margaret (Kintzle) Dupont on August 7, 1929.

Ralph was a woodworker who helped construct Eagle Point Park while with the WPA, He later ran a small grocery in the 1950’s on what is now Pennsylvania Avenue, and then owned and operated the Y Motel on Highway 20 West with Marge for two decades.

Don attended Nativity grade school and then graduated from Loras Academy in 1947, where he was on the Honor Roll all four years. He was also Class President in his senior year, and he was Lt. Col. and Battalion Commander of the school’s ROTC.

Don joined the boxing team at Loras-he wanted to wrestle, but the school had no team-and he became an undefeated Golden Gloves boxing champion who never lost a fight in three years at 112 pounds, as noted by the Encyclopedia Dubuque.

He lacked knockout power, but Don was such a fast and entertaining fighter that his Flyweight matches were often the Main Event during regional summertime exhibition fight cards in Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois.

His life’s biggest regret came in 1947 when Golden Gloves boxing returned to Iowa, and Don won the 112-pound title as a 17-year-old Senior at Loras. He was unable to compete in the National Golden Glove Championships in Chicago because the dates conflicted with his Senior Retreat, and Loras leaders convinced him he had to attend the retreat as Class President.

The fighter he defeated for the Iowa title-who was several years older-went to Chicago in his place and finished 2nd at Nationals.

Don’s academic work at Loras Academy earned him the award of Highest Distinction-which his classmate Fr. John Friedell won as well-and Don was one of five Academy graduates to receive a tuition scholarship to Loras College.

He supplemented his scholarship money by working at Stampfer’s Department Store during his high school and college years. Stampfer’s was Dubuque’s oldest department store, founded in 1855, and in 1908 it moved into a new four-story building at 800-847 Main, according to Encyclopedia Dubuque.

Don initially worked at Stampfer’s produce farm before eventually moving into the main building as a 4th-floor stockboy.

He earned his accounting degree at Loras College in 1951, where he played intramural sports, ran the 2-mile, and was a member of the National Honor Society. He was also one of 14 seniors chosen to represent Loras in “Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.”

During his college summers, Don played Town Ball in the Prairie League on the Asbury Phils, where he was one of three Loras students who served as ringers on the otherwise all-local team. He played catcher and shortstop for the Phils, and occasionally pitched in a pinch.

After college graduation, Don served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953, and he was stationed in Tokyo during the Korean Conflict. He continued to serve in the Reserve Corps on standby until 1960.

When he returned from the military, Don accepted an accounting job with Arthur Andersen in Chicago. His original plan was to work there two years, and then return to Dubuque to open up his own practice. But the opportunities were so great with Andersen that he never left.

The other thing Don did when he got back from Japan was tell all his friends that he would be married within a year, even though he didn’t have the specific candidate lined up yet.

But he was as good as his word. In October 1954, he married Janet M. Bahl of Asbury, who was the sister of a teammate on the Asbury Phils, and whom he met at their Sunday games. Together, they had two boys and two girls, and were married for 40 years until Janet died of pancreatic cancer in 1995.

They started their life together in an Italian neighborhood of Chicago and bought their first home in the northwest suburb of Palatine in 1959. A decade later, Andersen transferred them to Phoenix.

While running Andersen’s Phoenix office, Don threw himself into civic life. Andersen became a significant contributor and recruiter at Arizona State University’s School of Accountancy. The school established a Don Dupont Faculty Excellence Award in his honor.

He was also the local President of Junior Achievement, which mentors high-school students in business-related projects, and he was Chairman of the Foundation for Senior Adult Living.

But Don’s single biggest civic involvement-and the milestone that gave him the most satisfaction in his professional career-was his collaboration with eight other Phoenix business leaders to create the Fiesta Bowl in 1971.

That multi-year effort came at a time when there were just a handful of NCAA-approved Post-Season College Football Bowl Games, and only one-the Rose Bowl in California-played in the Western half of the country. And the NCAA had very little interest in starting a new one.

Phoenix hotelier Jack Stewart, whose Camelback Inn Resort was an Andersen client, invited Don to join the small group pursuing the Bowl when he learned of his interest in athletics. Don became Treasurer of the group, and his Andersen office got the Bowl its not-for-profit status and contributed all of the early accounting work.

Against all odds, and with the help of U.S. Attorney General John Mitchell and the philanthropic promise to plow Bowl profits into the fight against substance abuse, the Fiesta Bowl group finally won NCAA approval.

The rest is history. Coming up on its 50th Anniversary, the Fiesta Bowl is inarguably Arizona’s most successful civic venture of the past half-century. It has hosted several National Championship Games, and, according to its website, the Fiesta Bowl has generated an estimated $2.75 billion for Arizona’s economy over the past 12 years and it has contributed $12.5 million to charitable causes over the last 8 years.

Don was Fiesta Bowl President in 1979-1980, and he invited the University of Arizona to make their first appearance in the Bowl. It was also around that time he made his most important impact on what became The Little Bowl That Could.

The Fiesta Bowl was offered a multi-year contract to match the second-place teams from the Big Ten and Pac-10 Conferences in their annual game. It was a prestigious offer that guaranteed a huge television audience, but it would come at the sacrifice of the Bowl’s independence to select its own teams.

Don cast the tie-breaking vote to turn down that contract. That decision to retain the Bowl’s independence allowed the Fiesta Bowl to stage National Championship Games between Penn State and Miami in 1987 and Notre Dame and West Virginia in 1989. Those games cemented the Fiesta Bowl’s national standing and reputation.

When Don was promoted to Andersen’s World Headquarters in 1982, he and Janet returned to Palatine, settling into a century-old historic home near the old downtown. Their house was one of five homes featured in the Palatine Historical Society’s House and Garden Tour in 1998.

When Don retired from Andersen in 1990, Janet encouraged him to become more active in Palatine civic affairs. She ran his campaign to get him elected to the Palatine Public Library Board, where his business acumen was essential for the site selection and construction of the new Main Library.

He was also the chairman of Vision in Progress, a civic organization that worked to place a new community center in Palatine’s under-served north side.

In 2009, Don was one of four community volunteers added to the Palatine Park District’s Honor Roll-the District’s “highest honor,” its executive director said-for years of contribution to the community. He was also specifically cited for “the vision, leadership, planning and hard work that led to the creation of what grew to become the Palatine Opportunity Center.”

In 2012, Don moved back to Dubuque to be closer to his sister Shirley, Janet’s surviving brothers and sisters, and his classmates from high school and college. But in another sense, he had never really been gone.

Throughout his years in Chicago and Phoenix, Don continued to maintain strong ties to Dubuque, especially to his alma mater. He was a member of the Loras College Board of Regents for 18 years, and Board Chairman from 1984 to 1987.

Don was also given the Loras College Distinguished Alumni Award in 1990, he was designated a Loras “Regent Emeritus” in 1999, and he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree in 2001.

In a letter to the Dupont family, Loras College President Jim Collins said, “Your Dad was very engaged with Loras. He and your Mom contributed annually since he graduated from Loras in 1951. They made a major gift to every campaign the College launched. His leadership allowed Loras to achieve much success in the following building projects: Alumni Campus Center, Byrne Oaks Apartment Complex, Keane Hall renovations, and Rock Bowl Stadium.”

Collins also wrote, “Your father helped to hire a number of Loras graduates at Arthur Andersen, and he hosted numerous Loras Alumni gatherings in Arizona, Chicago and Dubuque. He attended almost every Alumni function Loras hosted, including many annual homecomings. Upon his advice, I created a President’s Advisory Council, and he served as its founding Chair. Though he had to cancel out of the last couple of meetings, he was an active participant up to his passing.”

Don was also closely connected with the Sisters of the Visitation, where he served as an Advisory Board Member and volunteer financial consultant. His ties to that group were based on his warm and enduring friendship with Sr. Bernadine Curoe.

Don is survived by his sister, Patricia Lange of Rockford, Ill.; his daughters, Anne Dupont of Centennial, Colo. and Jill Dupont of Duluth, Minn., and sons, Michael Dupont of Albuquerque, NM and Mark Dupont of Chicago, Ill.; his granddaughters, Kaitlin (Thomas) Boileau of San Jose, Cal. and Maureen Phenix of Ft. Collins, Colo.; and in-laws Betty Allen, Nita Betts, Mary O’Hea, Charles Bahl, Joseph (Susan) Bahl, Tom (Wendy) Bahl, and Verne Wilson, all of the Dubuque area, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Janet and her parents, Joseph and Vi Bahl, and Joe’s second wife, Marie; his parents, Ralph and Marge; his sisters Bette Dale and Shirley Bahl; his sister-in-law Susan (Bahl) Wilson; his brothers-in-law, Robert Allen, Robert Betts, Del O’Hea, Edward Lange, and Jack Dale; his nieces, Michelle Bahl, Karen Lange, and Jean (Bahl) Kliebenstein-Koren; and his nephews John Allen, Doug Bahl, and Gary Betts.

Don’s family extends heartfelt thanks to Jean Ough and the other caregivers and staff of Home Instead, and nurse Shirley and the staff of Hospice of Dubuque for the excellent care they provided to Don.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Don’s memory be made to the Loras Fund, 1450 Alta Vista Street, Dubuque, IA 52001 or the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, 700 Locust Street Suite 195, Dubuque, IA 52001.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

Charles L. Miller

Charles L. “Charlie” Miller, 86, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on July 3rd, 2019 at Bethany Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 6th, 2019 at the Church of the Nativity with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Dubuque Memorial Gardens with full military honors by American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 5th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 4:00 p.m.

Charlie was born on January 27, 1933 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Erwin and Margaret (Sullivan) Miller. He served in the US Army from 1953 to 1955 in Korea. He married Jean Ann Bisanz on October 6, 1956 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on October 5, 2013.

He worked at Divine Word College as a chef for 30 years until his retirement. He enjoyed playing cards, was an avid Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Viking and Iowa Hawkeye Fan. He loved to cook for his family and friends; was a devoted husband and family man and was a wonderful care giver to his wife Jean for many years.

He is survived by his two children, Linda (Scott) Havertape, of Hazel Green, WI, and Paul Miller of Monroe, WI. Three grandchildren, Ashley (Jeff Bradley) Callahan, Sean (Meghan Ziffra) Callahan and Kayleigh Miller; along with nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Jean, two brothers Dan and Jim and a sister Mary Schurb.

The family would like to thank the Medical Associates physicians and staff, Bethany Home staff and Hospice of Dubuque for all their wonderful care they gave to Charlie.

Tracey Hartnett

A Memorial Gathering to Celebrate the Life Of Tracey Hartnett
July 4th, 1968 – June 20th, 2019

Beloved Daughter of JoAnn Combs
Sister of Jennifer Williams and Priscella Encalade
Loving Mother of Edan, Taran, Lucius, Jean Pierre and Enzo

Please join us on the Riverfront to celebrate the life of our dear Tracey Hartnett. We will be honoring her at the white gazebo on Sunday July 7th 2019, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Let us remember her free-spirited character and cherish all of the memories she has blessed us with. Her boys have asked for everyone to bring a photo of your favorite memory with her along with a flower of your choosing to lay in her remembrance.

Tracey moved to Bellevue Iowa in 2012 with her five boys. She often attended the local farmers markets while she worked her way through massage school. She was a dedicated worker who always found the time to enjoy her family, massage, gardening, music, fashion and cooking. You could find her at Codfish Hollow providing healing massage services to the band members and dancing freely to life’s songs or putting her green thumb to use in the garden growing a variety of vegetables and flowers.

She was a true and loyal friend and a loving mother. There is nothing she would not do for those she loved. Her contagious, positive and uplifting outlook on life, her deep conversations and her genuine, loving character will truly be missed.

Any memorials given in her honor will be directed towards her sons.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this time of grief.

Mary Jo (Merfeld) Dalen

Mary Jo (Merfeld) Dalen, 57, danced her way up the top of the mountain with her family and friends ending her journey on July 2, 2019.

Mary Jo began her adventure at Xavier Hospital in 1961 when she was born to Orland and Mavis (Chadwick) Merfeld. She moved from Bernard to East Dubuque and attended all East Dubuque schools, graduating from high school January 13, 1979. She obtained her dental assistant degree from NITI and started working at West Third Oral Surgery. The practice grew and moved on to become Great River Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. For 38 years, Mary Jo was a part of this team.

Mary Jo, more affectionately referred to as MJ, Jo, Mama Jo Dalen, or Diva, could often be found on the dance floor shaking it to Brown Eyed Girl or whatever song happened to be playing. If she wasn’t on the dance floor, you might find her at the casino, soaking up the sun, or taking a nap on the couch. She taught 9 years of CCD classes at the Nativity BVM in Menominiee. Every year for the last 20 or so years, Mary Jo helped with Lulu’s Thanksgiving dinners at Seldom Scene.

She will be sorely missed and survived by her daughters Melissa (Dr. Robert) Morley and Kaila Dalen; her favorite grandson, Everett Morley; her mother, Mazie Merfeld; siblings David (Joyce) Merfeld, Marcie (Steve) High, Orland Merfeld Jr, Donnie (Joni) Merfeld, many nieces, nephews, aunts, and in-laws.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Mark; father, Orland Sr.; brother-in-law, Lyle; grandparents and many aunts and uncles.

The family would like to give a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice as well as all family and friends for their support given during the past months. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Croix Hospice or Menominee-Dunlieth Fire Department.

Mary Jo hoped to leave this world with a smoking hot body, so before going to see the great creator, she will be going to see the great cremater. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road in Dubuque where a short service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Burial will be at a later date in East Dubuque Cemetery, East Dubuque, IL.

Mary E. Dempsey

Mary Elizabeth Dempsey, 101 years of age, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2019.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 6, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, where friends may greet the family from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Pastor Stephanie Schlimm will officiate. Interment will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd. is entrusted with arrangements.

Mary was the fourth child of Florian and Barbara Kasper, and was born in Trempleau, WI on April 30, 1918. She was born the year women got the right to vote, and she proudly voted in the 2016 presidential election. She was a member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church, which she enjoyed so much. A dear friend and fellow parishioner, Sue Hattel, visited her often and brightened her days.

Mary also enjoyed her friends at St. Mary’s Apartments where she resided for 19 years, and her caregivers at Stonehill Care Center where she has lived since 2011.

She married Jack Dempsey in September of 1937, and they divorced in 1952. Mary was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was an excellent cook and loved to bake chocolate chip cookies and chocolate cake with seven minute icing for her family. She enjoyed gardening, and weeds were her enemies. She was an avid letter writer, and family members in California looked forward to her warm letters and newspaper clippings that she knew would interest them. She was a good friend to her neighbors on Washington Street where she raised her family.

Mary was employed her whole adult life at difficult jobs that paid well and supported her family. She was a hard-working and independent person, and a wonderful loving mother who will be missed very much.

Surviving are two daughters, Mary (Robert) Timmerman, of Dubuque and Jackie Dzieciolowski of Matteson, IL; one son, Gilbert Dempsey of Hammond, LA; her grandchildren, Sheree Spraglin, Michelle Falcon, Beth Peters, Tim Timmerman, Pamela Rogers, Lori Martinez Julia Lucas, Mark Dempsey, and Tonya Pillar; 21 great- grandchildren; two great- great- grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Barbara (Gerald) Roth; and two brothers, Florian (Georgette) Kasper and George (Esther) Kasper.

The family wishes to thank all her wonderful and devoted care givers at Stonehill Care Center, Unity Point Finley Hospital, and Hospice of Dubuque, who were so kind to her over the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stonehill Care Center, St. Luke’s Methodist Church, or Hospice of Dubuque.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

Dennis A. Wolf

Dennis A. Wolf, 69, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly of Farley, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at his home in Dubuque, Iowa. Friends and relatives of Dennis may call from 9 to 11 a.m., Friday, July 5, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa.

Memorial services for Dennis will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 5, 2019 at Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Burial will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, Iowa.

Dennis was born February 13, 1950 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Charles A. and Catherine L. (Fox) Wolf. As a child he was paralyzed due to Polio. He received his education from St. Joseph’s High School in Farley, IA and Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, IA. He worked at Ertls in the Quality Control Department in Dyersville, IA until he retired due to his disability.

He loved living in is trailer in North Buena Vista, Iowa (Buenie), where he enjoyed boating, fishing and playing cards.

He is survived by Five siblings, Judy (Joe) Miller of Perrysville, OH, Daniel Wolf of Peosta, IA, Gerald Wolf of Colesburg, IA, David Wolf of Earlville, IA, Mary (David) Marin of Farley, IA; Nieces and Nephews, Laura Miller, Carrie & Ryan Frasher, Sarah Wolf, Brian Wolf, David Marin, Juan Marin, Judi Marin, Andrea Marin, Salomon Marin and Alisa Marin and many great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Larry Wolf on Nov. 1, 1975, Charles Wolf on Sept. 3, 2001 and James Wolf in infancy; one nephew, Aaron Miller.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.reifffuneralhome.com

Steven D. Niemann

Steven Douglas Niemann, 65, of Bellevue, Iowa, formerly of DeWitt, died Thursday afternoon, June 20, 2019.

Steve Niemann was born May 7, 1954, in Clinton to Roland and Elizabeth (Schnack) Niemann. He was a 1972 graduate of Central Community Schools in DeWitt and also attended Iowa State University. Steve married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Ann Hatch, on January 6, 1979, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt.

Steve’s knowledge of farming was the culmination of both his father’s mentoring and his own forward vision. Building on his father’s hard work, he brought the farming operation to the successful state it is today. Steve’s strong desire for working the land planted the seed for both sons and a nephew to follow.

Steve and Ann raised their two sons and a daughter on their family farm in rural DeWitt. Steve instilled in his children a “Work Hard and then Play Hard” mentality.

Steve was truly the jack-of-all-trades, always working on numerous projects at any given time. Those around him would often question his methods, but he was quick to show them that Steve Niemann’s way was always the right way.

When Steve didn’t have his feet on the ground, he enjoyed being in the peaceful blue skies by plane. Steve learned to fly in 1983. Since then, he’s become known for giving many their maiden voyage in the sky. Steve was proud to share what he loved with those around him.

Scuba Steve, Social Steve, Captain Nemo, The PRO, and Papa were typical aliases he held.

Steve was a member of St. Joseph Church in Bellevue, Iowa. He was also a member of the aviation groups AOPA and EAA.

His passions remained in farming, flying, boating, friends, and especially family. In 2006 his wife, Ann, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Steve made it his new passion to care for her and fight the disease. He stayed by her side through sickness and in health.

Steve enjoyed the serenity of the Northwoods with his wife, sons, daughter, and their families up in Bemidji, MN. To avoid the winter weather, they’d head south to their Florida villa to enjoy the ocean and a relaxed life. Bellevue was where Steve called home, and a place where Steve and Ann could regularly be found watching the river flow south. Steve widely used the excuse of having 10 grandchildren, as to obtain many fun toys such as firetrucks, boats, and karaoke equipment. In the most recent years, Steve would organize spontaneous social gatherings with friends which always included music and singing. Steve strived each day to smile and bring smiles to all those around him.

Surviving are his loving wife of 40 years, Ann; a son and daughter-in-law, Luke and Lanna Niemann and their children, Cole, Alyssa, Callie and Levi, a second son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Erin Niemann and their children, Mae, William and Jacob and a daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Jared Scheckel and their children, June, Josie and Brigham all of DeWitt; his parents, Roland and Elizabeth Niemann of DeWitt; a brother and sister-in-law, Wade and Patricia Niemann of DeWitt; a brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Patrick Hatch, Jane Green and Katherine Hatch; numerous loving nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.

Preceding Steve in death were his sister, Debra; his grandparents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe and Helen Hatch and a brother-in-law, Michael Hatch.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, July 3, 2019, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at Buzzy’s in Welton.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Steve’s memory with a gift are invited to make a donation to St. Joseph School in DeWitt, where Steve’s grandchildren attend.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt.